Paraquat Herbicide

Paraquat dichloride is a toxic chemical widely used as an herbicide, and it has been linked to various medical conditions and illnesses, including Parkinson’s disease. Paraquat is a plant killer used by agriculturists since the middle of the 20th century to control weeds and grass. The herbicide is used on various crops, including alfalfa, wheat, corn, rice, hay, cotton, soybeans, vegetables, and fruits. In the United States, paraquat is available only for commercial use due to its toxicity, so applicators must be trained and certified to use it.

Paraquat has been sold under many brands since it first went on the market, with Gramoxone being the most common. It has also been sold under the brand names Parazone, Devour, Quick-quat, and Firestorm. It is primarily produced by Syngenta and distributed by Chevron.

Although paraquat is legal in the United States, with some restrictions, it is prohibited in more than 32 countries due to the potential health issues associated with paraquat exposure.

Even though paraquat manufacturers have long known about the potential risks associated with the weed killer, they have continued to sell their products without disclosing the dangers of paraquat to human health. The manufacturers and distributors of this potent weed killer are facing numerous lawsuits alleging that they failed to warn the public about the dangers of paraquat exposure.

Paraquat is highly toxic when ingested and can be fatal. Ingesting a large amount can immediately lead to swelling of the mouth and throat, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms leading to dehydration and low blood pressure. Within a few hours to a few days, a person may become confused and experience symptoms such as:

Patients who ingest large amounts of paraquat often do not survive.

Ingesting small to moderate amounts of paraquat is not always fatal. Still, it may lead to heart failure, kidney failure, liver failure, or lung scarring within several days to several weeks. It can also result in long-term damage to vital organs.

People can also be exposed to paraquat through skin contact or breathing it in. Over time, this can lead to severe health conditions, which may include:

Research has linked paraquat exposure to a heightened risk of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive nervous system disease that affects body parts controlled by the nerves. Symptoms include muscle tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movements, and lack of balance.

Although the causal connection between Parkinson’s and paraquat exposure is unclear, more research is needed to determine the link. In at least one study using data from the Agricultural Health Study (AHS), paraquat was shown to correlate positively with pathological mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease. Even though more research is needed, there is still conclusive evidence that paraquat is highly toxic and exposure can be fatal.

Scientists are still trying to determine precisely how Parkinson’s occurs, but researchers believe that environmental and genetic factors cause the disorder. If you have Parkinson’s disease and think your symptoms are connected to paraquat exposure, you should speak with an attorney immediately to discuss your legal options.

Individuals who could have potentially been exposed to paraquat include:

Even if you are not an agricultural worker or did not come in direct contact with paraquat, you might still be entitled to seek compensation through a lawsuit if you were exposed to this toxic chemical. That’s why it’s crucial to speak to an experienced drug lawsuit lawyer about your situation.

If you were diagnosed with a health issue due to paraquat exposure, you could pursue compensation from the manufacturer or distributor for various losses, including:

An experienced attorney could help you calculate your expenses, determine the financial value of your non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, and help you seek the fair compensation you deserve.